Early success for Surrey apprenticeship scheme

The Surrey County Council launched a campaign last July, aiming to create 200 apprenticeships by March 2013. The scheme, led by David Hodge and with the support of skills minister John Hayes, has exceeded its own expectations by reaching the 200 mark this December, four months early.

The campaign, directed at young people under the age of nineteen, aimed to tackle teenage unemployment in the area. Businesses across a wide range of sectors were offered a cash incentive to employ apprentices.

Surrey Leader David Hodge said: “Reaching the 200 target with four months left of the time we allotted is fantastic news. It is a huge boost for teenagers as well as helping businesses to develop talent.It’s vital we do all we can to create jobs and opportunities for the next generation. Whether the jobs are in customer services, administration or a trade, we’re doing all we can to ensure teenagers can get on in their chosen careers.”